When and Where does this happen?

What does it benefit?

Proceeds from the challenge go to the Dempsey Center. The Dempsey Center offers a vibrant and compassionate environment where an interdisciplinary team of oncology professionals improves the healing experience for those impacted by cancer. Through customized programs The Dempsey Center provides support services that complement treatments, support caregivers, patients and their families equally Source: Demspeycenter.org

DFD Russell Medical Center is partnering with The Pixel Fund to promote dogs in need of homes in Maine.

The Pixel Fund is a nonprofit established to raise needed funds to support animal rescue and advocacy groups with “paws on the ground”. The Pixel Fund works to save the lives of animals by working to reduce shelter admissions through addressing the issues that cause people to give up their pets, support low and no-cost spay and neuter clinics and encourage shelter reform. The Pixel Fund’s mission is to save lives that would otherwise be lost to the shelter system.

DFD will be featuring an adoptable pet every other week.

This week we want you to meet Makayla.

She’s a sweet 2-year-old hound mix who loves her people. She enjoys leashed walks and playing outside with other pups. If you’re ready for a sweet and cuddly best friend, Makayla is the one for you.

Not only will you be saving a dog’s life through adoption, you can also see significant health improvements in your own life!

Pets keep you active. A study by the University of Victoria showed dog owners were more likely to participate in mild to moderate physical activity. They walked an average of 300 minutes per week, compared with non-dog owners, who walked an average of 168 minutes per week.

Pets can reduce stress. There is a reason therapy dogs are so effective. Spending just a few minutes with a pet can lower anxiety and blood pressure, and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine.

Pets add meaning and purpose. Pets help prevent loneliness and isolation which is key in preventing cognitive decline and disease. Owning a pet provides responsibility to get up every day and take care of your furry friend.

This month we celebrated National Health Center Week to raise awareness of the important role health centers play in our communities.

Health centers serve 23 million patients in the United States, which is about one in fifteen people who utilize health centers as their health care home. As a Patient-Centered Medical Home, DFD meets and exceeds the healthcare needs of its patients through innovative, patient–centered primary care services.

Through our system focused on care coordination, patient education, and medication management, DFD Russell has seen a:

20% decrease in non-preventative medical provider visits

50% decrease in patient visits to the ER

38% decrease in patients requiring hospital stays

Health Centers across the United States perform just as well or better than private physicians on 94% of quality measures and save an average of $1,263 per patient per year.

DFD is the highest-ranking community health center in Maine and the nation for its commitment to quality care. Each year DFD serves more than 8,000 local patients with 25,000 encounters.
But what makes DFD different from other providers?

More night and weekend hours

More likely to accept new patients

Community-governed

More services under one roof

Health Centers make a tremendous impact in our communities. DFD alone employs 54 individuals, providing over $3,900,000 in salaries and benefits that go back into our community each year.

Together, let’s raise awareness about the positive impacts health centers have on our communities, Share with friends and family on how DFD is supporting our neighborhoods and can help support them.